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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Elderly, adored, poorly greyhound.

42 replies

OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 12:53

Our 12 yo greyhound is not himself. I think he’s winding down slowly towards death.

He seems comfortable. Enjoying small treats in bed. But drinking gallons and peeing gallons too... not making it outside, not bothered about peeing in the house too. Most out of character as he’s normally very clean.

Just not at all well. There’s something more going on I think. His eyes are blank.

He’s insured. I’m not worried about vets bills but I don’t want him to go to the OOH vet as it will scare him. I want to wait until tomorrow so we can see our vet. Given he’s comfortable would you do the same?

OP posts:
Winterdaysarehere · 29/12/2019 12:54

Could your vet do a home visit? Could be a uti?
Has he snaffled anything he shouldn't over Xmas?

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 12:56

I should add that he’s outlived his litter by about 5 years (according to the rescue kennels). He also suffered multiple injuries racing until we adopted him at 3. So he’s a battered old boy.

OP posts:
Beamur · 29/12/2019 12:57

Sounds like kidney problems. To be honest I would go to the vets sooner rather than later.
Or, the alternative is not to, keep him at home, see how he goes. As you say, he maybe isn't in pain and if he is dying, doing so peacefully at home may be preferable.
It's very hard sometimes to know what's best.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:00

Hello Winter-unlikely he’s gobbled anything as we are super careful (we have other greys, superthieves!)
Possibly a uti, you are right. I just don’t want to disturb him. If we took him to ooh they could just give us some anti bis I guess. Annoyingly we are out of Metacam (I usually keep some in) as one of the others hurt her foot recently.

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BiteyShark · 29/12/2019 13:00

I presume if he will be scared of the OOH vets he would be scared of your usual vet. I have had to take mine to both many times even though he is afraid.

As PP said it could he a uti so not necessarily close to death. I presume you don't want to take to OOH because you think they will say PTS but I would be thinking they would want to take bloods and samples to see if there was anything immediate to treat.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:03

Thank you Beamur. I’m really torn. He hobbled up this morning, made it out, came in for breakfast and ate it all. I’m trying to persuade myself he can go until tomorrow.

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Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:05

Thank you Bitey, he’s not happy to go to the vet you are right. But it’s familiar, and our vet is amazing with greys as he was a track vet. I’m scared they’ll say pts straight away.

OP posts:
StrongTea · 29/12/2019 13:06

Could be diabetes. Hope whatever It turns out to be is easily treated.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:10

Thank you. He’s an old bugger and we love him dearly.

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 29/12/2019 13:10

I’m scared they’ll say pts straight away.

Totally understand but I would hope that unless they were in real pain with no hope of getting better they wouldn't suggest this.

I have been in the position where an OOH vet suggested keeping BiteyDog in but I said no and treat his pain now and we would be back in the morning to our own vets because I knew he would be better at home. They didn't talk me out of it but I guess I was confident to say and know that was the best thing so if you do go remember you know your dog best and you are their advocate.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:14

Yes you are right. Maybe just asking for some pain relief to tide us over... he doesn’t seem in pain but you never know I guess.

OP posts:
fluffygal · 29/12/2019 13:18

This was my 12 year old greyhound exactly this time last year- he was peeing loads, inside and out, pee turned orange. Was eating fine but slowly stopped and became skin and bones very quickly.

He had a severe hepatitis infection in his liver, they did blood tests and a scan to check. They gave me lots of meds to give him but they didn't work and he was PTS at home. I wish they hadn't bothered with the meds as I felt like he suffered lots and I found it difficult to make the decision to PTS as I thought they thought he would get better when looking back he clearly wouldn't.

I think overall it cost me about £800, I did not have insurance.

percheron67 · 29/12/2019 13:25

OneoftheGrundys. I do hope your elderly gentleman mends soon. I think I would ask for advice for a vet in case his outlook is gloomy and he lingers. Thinking of you.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 29/12/2019 13:30

I’m so sorry to hear that fluffy. I get so tangled up in what the right thing to do is.

percheron, he’s fast asleep now in our room. DS took him a sausage and they had a cuddle. I’ll see how he goes when he wakes up.

Thank you all. I think I will take him today but will let him finish his sleep first.

OP posts:
Beamur · 30/12/2019 10:29

How is he today?

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 30/12/2019 13:12

Thank you for asking.
It’s as we expected... the vet offered to put him to sleep there and then but we asked to have him home so our DC could say goodbye. He has very strong pain relief and antibiotics as there was a slight infection and is comfortable now.
It’s so sad. My DH is waiting for a transplant that may lengthen his life a bit. Losing our Billy is the end of an era. Like, the bit of our lives as a family before DH’s dx too.
We’ll make the appointment at the vet in the next few days. We can take him in then have him cremated so we can keep his ashes.
He’s been an awkward bugger all his life... but loyal amd loving to us to the end. We’ll miss him so terribly.

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Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 30/12/2019 13:15

He is also loved by our neighbours and extended family. They will want to say goodbye too.
We live in the middle of nowhere but all of our near neighbours have dogs. They know he’s ‘not just a pet’.

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Winterdaysarehere · 30/12/2019 13:30

So sorry op. Maybe you might feel up to sharing a pic?

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 30/12/2019 13:45

Sleeping in the sun in the kitchen after this morning. He’s had a lunch of turkey and will have toad in the hole tonight.
Snoring and farting away happily!

Elderly, adored, poorly greyhound.
OP posts:
Winterdaysarehere · 30/12/2019 13:49

Ah he looks very peaceful... My pointy girls are also sun worshippers.
Enjoy every minute op.

Original poster
OneOfTheGrundys · 30/12/2019 15:14

Thank you!

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GreyhoundzRool · 30/12/2019 15:20

Handsome boy. Pawsitive thoughts and vibes from a fellow pointy nose slave 🐾💜

Beamur · 30/12/2019 16:16

Ah. I had to say goodbye to my beloved cat a few months ago. They are anchor points in our lives. Cherish these days.

BiteyShark · 30/12/2019 16:18

So sorry Thanks

OliveToboogie · 30/12/2019 17:37

So sorry to hear your sad news. My Grey is the love of our lives. Absolutely dreading day we have to say goodbye. (((.)))) Hugs from Glasgow xx